What is Natural Parenting?
The word natural refers to a lifestyle that is in symbiosis with nature. Therefore Natural Parenting is by extension a focus on non-artificial remedies and preventative methods, like healthy food. Natural Parenting might also refer to a lifestyle or method of raising kids closer to nature and with an emphasis placed on the outdoors. Many Natural Parents are also concerned with environmental issues and have a firm belief that our kids deserve a clean, healthy planet. We recommend the book, Natural Parenting & Childcare by Lauren Feder, M.D, which can be purchased [here]. Lauren Feder describes Natural Parenting very specifically and in the following ways. Natural Parenting:
- Recognizes the importance of many age-old traditional that have been successful for generations.
- Reassures parents that they are the best family doctor for first-line defense, while acknowledging the benefits of doctors for serious illness.
- Encourages parents to trust common sense instead of immediately seeking medical advice.
- Discourages blind faith in the medical profession, which is preoccupied with intervention rather than prevention.
- Meets the needs and well being of babies, children, and family in a way that is as natural as possible.
- For simple, self-limiting complaints, relies on remedies and medicines that are safe, non-toxic, and natural with no side effects, rather than on potentially harmful over-the-counter drugs and antibiotics.
- Offers tips and suggestions that are easy to use with practical application.
- Requires no formal training. (Feder, 14)
“Natural medicine is simple. Practical and easy to incorporate into already existing home rituals. If you are a busy parent worried that natural approaches will demand more time and energy than you have, you will likely find that natural parenting proves to be more time and cost efficient than your current habits. In addition, natural remedies are often safer and just, if not more, as effective than conventional prescription drugs.” (Feder, 14)
Natural Parenting for many is also connected to Attachment Parenting methods and creating an over-all active and loving presence in our children’s lives. It is also an understanding that we learn from our kids as well as teach them. It is a commitment to cooperative and harmonious family-life without violence or other forms of oppressive parenting methods. In short, Natural Parenting is about incorporating nature together with loving-parenting. It is also a belief that we as humans exist within nature and are not separate from it.
Natural Parenting is also symbiosis with other forms of parenting, like Mindful Parenting. Mindfulness in Buddhist practices refers to an attentive awareness. Attentive awareness goes hand-in-hand with Natural Parenting.
Musician, Ani DiFranco speaks to Mindful Mamma Magazine below about being a mindful mom.
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